For all time the Lao people
Have glorified their Fatherland,
United in heart,
Spirit and vigour as one.
Resolutely moving forwards,
Respecting and increasing the dignity of the Lao people
And proclaiming the right to be their own masters.
The Lao people of all origins are equal
And will no longer allow imperialists [2]
And traitors to harm them.
The entire people will safeguard the independence
And the freedom of the Lao nation.
They are resolved to struggle for victory
In order to lead the nation to prosperity.

In 1893, Laos became a protectorate of France within its colonial empire. The French claimed their takeover was intended to protect Laos from its hostile neighbours like Siam, which was forced to cede Laos to the colonial power. Consequently, nationalistic sentiment did not develop as quickly as it did in Vietnam. However, the outbreak of the Second World War saw the fall of France to Nazi Germany. The new right-wing government in Siam saw this as an opportunity to reconquer Laos. To counteract this, the French actively promoted nationalism among the Lao people.[3]

As a direct result of this new liberalization, many patriotic songs were composed during this time.[4] "Pheng Xat Lao" was one of them, having been composed by Dr. Thongdy Sounthonevichit in 1941.[5] The song was chosen as the national anthem of Laos in 1945,[1] when the king was forced by the Japanese to declare Laos' independence from France. This newfound freedom was short-lived as France soon regained control of French Indochina.[3] Two years later, the French granted Laos limited autonomy within the French Union and "Pheng Xat Lao" once again became the national anthem.[6]

When the Pathet Lao emerged victorious in Laotian Civil War in 1975, the Communist government decided to change the lyrics to the anthem in order to reflect the ideology of the new regime.[7] As a result, the anthem became all-encompassing in mentioning all ethnic groups in Laos, instead of focussing solely on the Lao race and Buddhism. However, the music from the former anthem was retained.[8]

In the old days, our Lao people
Were famous all over Asia.
Because the Lao
Were united in love.
Still today, they love their people and country
And rally around their leaders.
They preserve the religion of their fathers,
And protect the soil of their ancestors.
They will never allow another nation to threaten them
Or to occupy their territory.
Every enemy who enters their country
Will find them ready to fight until death.
All together, they can restore the ancient glory of their blood,
and they will stand together in the days of danger.

Once our Laotian race in Asia highly honored stood
And at that time the folk of Laos were united in love
Today they love their race and rally round their chiefs
They guard the land and the religion of their ancestors
They will resist each foe who may oppress them or invade
And such invaders will be met with battle unto death
They'll restore the fame of Laos and through ills united stand.